What is one method of interviewing a witness after an incident?

Asking open-ended questions is a highly effective method for interviewing a witness after an incident because it encourages the witness to provide detailed information without being constrained by yes or no answers. Open-ended questions allow the witness to share their observations and thoughts in their own words, which can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of what occurred. This approach not only helps in gathering richer information but also helps establish rapport and trust, making the witness feel comfortable in sharing their perspective.

Using open-ended questions can uncover critical details that might be missed with more restrictive questioning techniques. It allows the witness to elaborate on their experiences, describe the context of the incident, and share any relevant emotions or reactions they had, which can be crucial for understanding the situation fully.

In contrast, other methods such as relying on closed questions can limit the amount of information gathered, while recording a witness without their consent raises ethical and legal issues. Leading a witness can manipulate their responses and potentially distort the truth, which is counterproductive to any legitimate investigation.